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Saskatchewan Continues To Boom
A recent article in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix spoke about the large influx of people to our province in the past year. 2011 was the largest increase in population since 1921-nearly 100 years with an additional 22,000 plus people moving to Saskatchewan in the past year.
Saskatchewan is not only attracting people from other provinces in Canada but also from around the world. From July 1, 2011 to July 1, 2012 our province gained 22, 154 people. As of July 1 we have 1, 079, 958 people living in Saskatchewan.
Some of the largest net interprovincial migrations were from Ontario and BC with Manitoba and Alberta coming in 3rd and 4th respectively. Saskatchewan and Alberta were the only two provinces with net in-migration from other provinces in the past quarter. The number coming from Ontario was huge with 843 people moving to Saskatchewan. As a real estate agent in Saskatoon I have met and helped several people from Ontario in the past year so this is not a big surprise to me.
Saskatchewan had a net international migration of 4035 and a natural increase (births minus deaths) of 1443 in the past quarter. Brad Wall states that competitive taxes and engagement regarding trade and immigration are necessary priorities going forward. We do need to keep up with the challenges of growth and, as a REALTOR (r) in Saskatoon, I see those challenges in terms of houses and infrastructure. I have heard from a lot more first time home buyers in Saskatoon who are new to Canada buyers this year than ever before.
If you are thinking of buying a house for sale in Saskatoon contact me for all of your Saskatoon real estate needs. If you are thinking about selling your Saskatoon or area house check out my websites and contact me to see how I can help.
Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Fusion
kari@saskatoonrealestate.net
Saskatoon Real Estate Market Update for August
I am a bit behind in writing this post due to a busy month however better late than never! The real estate market in Saskatoon may have slowed down a bit in August from the same month last year however year to date the number of real estate transactions in Saskatoon and area is up over 9% from the year before. The total residential sales volume so far this year exceeded $1B by the end of August which is 2 months earlier than last year. There have been 9% more transactions over the year before. The average house price is also up 8% from the year before at $330,597. People must keep in mind that the average sale price is very easily changed due to what is actually selling.
In 2011 there were a lot of sales under $250,000 in August while this year there were considerably more sales over $250,000 which increases the average house price in Saskatoon. By the end of August this year there were 251 houses for sale in Saskatoon over $500,000 that sold, compared to 162 for the same time last year. This year we even had 9 sales over $1M which increases that average house price in Saskatoon.
The real estate market outside of Saskatoon also saw a slower August than in 2011 with 19% less sales than in 2011 however year to date the salese are up 5% over 2011. The average house price outside of Saskatoon remains fairly constant at $282,452.
At the end of August we had 1234 houses for sale in Saskatoon (or condos) and 916 in areas surrounding Saskatoon. These numbers are down 6% and 13% respectively from 1315 houses for sale in Saskatoon in 2011 at this time and 1049 houses for sale outside of Saskatoon.
The number of real estate agents in Saskatoon has jumped yet again from 560 at the end of August in 2011 to 608 this year-this is up 9% from 2011. There are a lot of new real estate agents in Saskatoon so ensure you are getting someone who is an experienced Saskatoon REALTOR (r) as this is the largest transaction of your life!
We also have more affiliate members this year, up 8% from the year before we now have 41 members. These members are made up of home inspectors in Saskatoon and appraisers.
If you are thinking about buying a house for sale in Saskatoon or are looking to sell your house in Saskatoon please consider me as your trusted Saskatoon REALTOR (r).
Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Fusion
kari@saskatoonrealestate.net
Scams Scams and More Scams!
I read an article in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix that really made me shake my head-yet also made me realize that I could possibly be daft enough to fall for this particular scam with my love of wine and flowers.
Unfortunately with all of these scams going on in this world we are going to have to be ever more distrusting, which is a sad state to have to be in. After the recent Saskatoon real estate scam I went through I am very sensitive to these scams and how they can destroy innocent people. We should be a society who trusts until given reason not to trust-unfortunately there are becoming more reasons not to trust.
The Better Business Bureau is attempting to warn the public of these scams ahead of time, which is responsible of them. It is about time we got proactive and published scams as they are happening elsewhere to hopefully prevent scam artists from trying to bring them to our city. It is frustrating to learn how people are always trying to steal from other innocent victims. I do believe in the laws of Karma, however immediate retribution would be much more fitting.
The jist of this particular one-unexpected wine deliveries! This is a new pinpad scam in which fraudsters call and say they are a “courier service” asking if someone is home to receive the package. Within an hour someone arrives at your home with a basket of flowers and wine. Yum! Who wants to turn that away and what a perfectly normal gift (for some anyways) that may be from a friend or family member who just wanted to brighten your day. The “delivery person” says they do not know who sent it, anonymous if you will, but a card may arrive separately. There is a consignment note with the package and the “courier” claims that they are required to prove the alcohol was delivered to an adult by collecting a small charge (under $5 for example) as a “delivery charge” by way of debit or credit card.
At this point, if you have already started drinking the wine you may wonder why you can’t do cash. I would guess they will have some sort of excuse that cash is not traceable so it must be credit card or debit card. The “courier” has a handheld swipe machine into which the victim enters their access number. And voila, skimmed and scammed! These handheld machines have been programmed to collect your data.
If you have been approached with this or any similar scams make sure to go to the BBB. Even if you are embarassed at falling for it please help alert the public so it doesn’t happen to others. I am so glad, as a trusted Saskatoon REALTOR(R), that we were able to get word to the public about the rental scam happening under my name/listing but this was not before several people almost fell for it and sent money.
If you are looking for an honest Saskatoon real estate agent to help you buy or sell, consider me! Dishonesty drives me mad and I take pride in being trustworthy.
Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Fusion
kari@saskatoonrealestate.net
Warman To Be A City By Fall
Can you believe that in 1964 the small town of Warman had homes that didn’t even have water? Some had wells, some had outhouses! It must be a bit of a shock to some of those longtime residents who have watched it grow from a small one horse town to the bustling community it is today. Paved streets, a golf course and a sports complex-what a change!
The population of Warman hit 7085 in the 2011 census which puts them in the ranking to become Saskatchewan’s next city this October. Real estate in Warman has certainly boomed with more than a handful of houses selling for over $625,000 this year alone and another 7 homes for sale in Warman that are currently over $600,000.
With the newfound city status Warman will likely continue to attract more people and investors with a big box store development already in the works. The city of Warman will also have access to federal and provincial funding that wasn’t there before. Warman used to be a ‘bedroom community’ of Saskatoon however these days it is more self-sustaining than ever. There is even a Tim Horton’s in Warman and it is always busy when I am out there showing houses for sale in Warman.
With newfound growth also comes struggles though and schools have felt this the most in Warman. There is now a new middle-years school under construction which will help alleviate some of the strain on the 2 schools as enrollment has been high.
Like all communities this one is not without growing pains and resistance but the growth is good and will continue to grow.
If you are considering buying a house for sale in Warman consider calling me, your Trusted Saskatoon Realtor (r). I have helped many people of all ages and walks of life buy houses in Warman.
Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Fusion
kari@saskatoonrealestate.net
Mine Delay-Will it Affect The Economy?
A recent article in the Star Phoenix has left some with worry while others barely see it as a blip on their radar. Economic observers say it is too soon to say what will sort of effect will be felt with the news of mining company, Vale, putting its potash project near Kronau on hold. Keep in mind this is just one company and one resource and we have another linchpin playing a part in our resource boom-the Bakken oil find. University of Saskatchewan economist, Eric Howe, noted that calculations based on data about previous resource booms in the province have suggested the current boom is likely to be over by 2019. Vale is also primarily an ore mining company that also does potash and there is an indication that iron ore is in demand more than potash, hence the delay.
The delay combined with the slow down with PotashCorp (they are shutting down for a month) has some people talking. Sask Trends Monitor publisher is not concerned as there are always ups and downs in one commodity or another. If someone else announced a delay or postponement though we may then see reason for concern, according to Doug Elliot.
Keep in mind BHP is proceeding with construction near Jansen and the announcement of Vale is not impacting anything where they are concerned. BHP’s mine at Jansen will be the world’s largest potash mine, producing eight million tonnes annually at full production. Germany’s K+S AG started digging ground in June on its potash mine near Bethune. Some people speculate that the delay means potass supply may be slower which can increase potash prices and ensure even larger profits for existing producers.
As a real estate agent in Saskatoon I have people who hear this news and expect that house prices in Saskatoon will drop. We are not a one resource province or city so I have my doubts given the amount of people and companies moving to our city who all need places to live, but if I had a crystal ball I would be off living on a remote island retired!
As I don’t have that crystal ball I will still be living here and selling houses in Saskatoon so if you are looking to buy or sell get in touch with me and find out why I am a trusted Saskatoon real estate agent.
Kari Calder
Saskatoon Public Schools Report to the Community
I was a bit surprised to have a big beautiful glossy colourful book waiting for me at my office “With Compliments of the Saskatoon Board of Education”. This lovely printed book I am sure is worth a pretty penny. I have to say, it would be much better next year if they emailed this instead of spending so much money on the printed version that will, in many cases, just end up in the landfill. I am a hard core recycler but not everyone is. I am not sure why I was sent this, not every Saskatoon REALTOR (r) was sent one (I hope!!). I guess this is what my high taxes are contributing towards?
Alas, I will not let it go to waste, I will write about the highlights from the Saskatoon Public Schools Report to the Community and forever capture it online myself.
High Achievers in Mathematics-for 10 years Saskatoon schools have placed in 1st place in Saskatchewan with Marion Graham in 2003, Evan Hardy Collegiate in 2002, 2004 and 2005, and Walter Murray Collegiate from 2006-2011.
Ivan Vendrov is a graduate of Bedford Road Collegiate and was awarded the 2010 Board of Education Award of Excellence. This award recognizes the Grade 12 student who exemplifies excellence in areas including lifelong learning, critical and creative thinking, respect for others, world citizenship, a sense of personal worth and dignity, and moral, ethical and spiritual values. He maintained a 99.71% average in Grade 12. Wow!
Another astounding student is Rui Song, a Grade 10 student from Walter Murray who was recognized with a 2011 Top 20 Under 20 Award for Canadians “who have demonstrated a significant level of innovation, leadership and achievement”. According to the June 1, 2011 Globe and Mail, she “already boasts a resume that would surely impress even the most qualified scientist: She was the youngest ever competitor and champion of the 2010 National Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge, a finalist at the 2010 Sanofi-Aventis International BioGENEius Competition andd won the 2010, 2009 and 2009 Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge Saskatoon Regional Competitions”.
I do have to shake my head a bit when I read the message from the Director and one comment is about their “green efforts” as I read this book they put out. Some other things to note though, besides my “green rant” is that they completed the Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre in the north wing of Mount Royal Collegiate, Nutana Collegiate is being restored, and Willowgrove Elementary School design is progressing.
One of the “green” things they are doing is developing a number of community gardens throughout the school division. They act as excellent outdoor classrooms but also have many practical aspects in terms of teaching young people a wide variety of skills and simply providing nutritious food for students. This is very cool!
Saskatoon Public Schools is also culturally responsive toward students and families through curricula and programming.
New programming continues to be introduced such as: the addition of French Immersion at Tommy Douglas Collegiate, the launching of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Bedford Road Collegiate and the offering of an integrated Grade 9 program at Aden Bowman Collegiate called Collective Voice.
The school division also has many partnerships with our community such as: Literacy for Life, The Okiciyapi Partnership, The Nehiyawiwin Cree Language and Culture Program, Parent Engagement Conference, The Restorative Action Program and Signing of the Community Threat Assessment and Support Protocol, Child Hunger and Education Program, Children’s Festival, Saskatoon Industry-Education Council, Care and Share, etc.
Another welcome addition was on August 15, 2011 with the opening of the Newcomer Student Centre (NSC) which is located at the Public School Division office downtown. The mandate is to orient newcomer students and their families to the Saskatoon Public Schools while focusing on students who do not speak English as their first language. The staff introduces families to public schools, assess students’ language and math skills, assist students with registering in school and recommends support and programming for students needing English as an additional language services. In its first month they registered and assessed over 200 newcomer students. As a real estate agent in Saskatoon I help many newcomers purchase houses here so I can just imagine how daunting the school process can seem.
The program that I am excited about is Education for Sustainability. Saskatoon Public Schools is committed to education for sustainability in: teaching and learning; facilities and operations; human capacity building; and partnerships. The school division inspires learning that honours stewardship of the environment by building a sense of social responsibility and social action. Some examples of the programming include: Bioresource Management,EcoQuest, Eathkeepers, Collective Voice and Citizens Inspiring Change, Let’s Lead, ScienceTrek, Outdoor School, Kamskenow, and Community School Gardens. There is also a Grade 7 program using the Net Zero home as the student’s classroom.
Wow, I guess this wasteful book was a bit enlightening after all! As a Saskatoon real estate agent who does not have children I find that I don’t know as much about Saskatoon Schools as I would like but this book was quite helpful and I definitely learned a few things today.
If you are looking at buying or selling a house for sale in Saskatoon I hope to hear from you!
Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Fusion
kari@saskatoonrealestate.net
July Saskatoon Real Estate Market Update
The July real estate market in Saskatoon saw less houses for sale in Saskatoon and area for buyers to choose from than in 2011. At the end of July 2012 there were 2729 houses for sale in Saskatoon and area vs 3085 in 2011. This does not mean the market is jumping up in price as we are still in a relatively balanced market here in Saskatoon. In the city we actually saw a 4% increase from 978 listings at this time last year to 1021 in 2012.
The most activity in July was seen in houses in the $500,000 to $750,000 range which literally doubled from July of last year when 21 homes in this range sold, this year we saw 42 higher end homes in Saskatoon sell. My listing at 618 Wilkins for $799900 even surpassed that.
This year to date we have also seen 9 houses of $1 million in Saskatoon sell vs 4 for the same time frame last year. The increase in higher end homes selling does affect the average house price so keep that in mind when you see that the average house price in Saskatoon is currently $331,517 which is up 9% from 2011 when it was $303,439.
There are now almost 600 realtors in Saskatoon which is almost 100 more than 2 years ago. These numbers fluctuate with people getting in and out of the business all the time.
If you are looking for an experienced Saskatoon real estate agent with more than 5 years of experience and 300+ homes sold in Saskatoon then don’t hesitate to contact me for your real estate needs. I am also part of Trusted Saskatoon which means I have passed their requirements to be one of 3 real estate agents in Saskatoon who are Trusted.
Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Fusion
kari@saskatoonrealestate.net
HGTV Filming Today at One Of My Houses For Sale In Saskatoon
Pretty exciting news that HGTV is filming at one of my Saskatoon houses for sale. They contacted me about a month ago regarding one of my listings, a beautiful walkout for sale in Willowgrove. They had a request from potential buyers who they enlisted to film the program Urban Suburban that this listing be one of the featured homes.
Urban Suburban is a show on HGTV that is going into its second season so my Saskatoon home for sale won’t be seen until the fall but that is okay, I have already sold this house. The show features brother and sister REALTORS, Phil DuMoulin and Sarah Daniels, who compete to find one family their dream home. Sarah works to prove that the suburbs aren’t all about the cookie cutter houses and soccer moms while Phil works to prove that downtown living isn’t all about a huge mortgage and no living space. As the hosts are not actually real estate agents in Saskatoon they can’t actually sell the homes they show but this is television after all. I am interested to see how it all plays out on the program once I get to see how it is all filmed.
Many people have asked me if I get to be on the show and the answer is no, unfortunately not. There are a few Saskatoon realtors involved in the show as they are filming in our listings but we aren’t actually being featured. I have been fortunate to have been on the air several times in my Saskatoon real estate career so maybe I will have to chat with them and offer up my expertise.
I am also curious how much, in an hour program, you actually will see my house for sale in Willowgrove as they require 3 hours on site for filming. I am happy that my sellers were open to the filming to occur in their home. I look forward to watching Urban Suburban when this one airs!
If you are considering buying a house for sale in Saskatoon or listing your house for sale in Saskatoon consider calling me. I am one of only 3 trusted Saskatoon realtors by Trusted Saskatoon and this is quite an honour given that we have almost 600 realtors in Saskatoon.
Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Fusion
kari@saskatoonrealestate.net
Saskatoon Real Estate Market Update From June
Better late than never is this post! The real estate market in Saskatoon has been busy which has put any blogging on the back burner for me. Our latest SRAR new release states that the number of properties for sale in Saskatoon is down only slightly yet the number of sales for the first six months is up 14% from the same time last year. I am working with several people on their Saskatoon houses for sale at the moment and have a few more listings coming down the pipes soon.
This upward trend can mean a slight upward pressure on price however not all price ranges or areas are equal and there tends to be demand in certain ranges and locations. As is often the case we find that houses for sale in Saskatoon’s east side to often sell the fastest and the $300,000-$350,000 range seems to be the busiest.
As of June there were 1059 houses for sale in Saskatoon and 574 sales that month.
The same trend also seems to be occurring in communities around Saskatoon. Year to date listings are down in areas surrounding Saskatoon by 5% and an increase in sales of 9% is great to see. There were 239 houses listed for sale outside of Saskatoon last month with 102 of those selling.
The real estate market in Saskatoon continues to be steady in the month of July however, compared to the Regina market, we still have a healthy number of listings so we aren’t getting as many competing offers as our neighbours to the south.
We have seen a 10% jump in the number of REALTORS in Saskatoon since June 2011 which may keep in line with the amount of new people moving to our city.
If you are looking to sell your house in Saskatoon and want to work with a professional and a trusted REALTOR in Saskatoon give me a call!
Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Fusion
kari@saskatoonrealestate.net
Ten Steps to Help Save The World?
I recently got a copy of the Sunday Phoenix from the Saskatoon Star Phoenix and something caught my attention.
After the recent Earth Summit in Brazil there are some suggestions for following a greener path. Thousands of delegates from around the world gathered and the message was daunting. It has been described that the world and the 7 billion human inhabitants is on a global suicidal path and if we keep going how we are the earth cannot survive.
The initial earth summit was 20 years ago and evidence shows that the world has failed to deliver on many of the promises made in 1992.
Earth systems are being pushed towards their biophysical limits and in some cases they are exceeded so the situation is worse than ever. We need to step it up as a global community.
Points made are:
1. Start a Revolution
A lot of economic growth was fuelled by the abundance of natural resources but consumption doesn’t come without consequences. We need revolutionary thinking and action to have global sustainability.
2. Energy Game Change
Burning coal, oil and gas pumps so much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that it is threatening to melt polar ice, fuel heat waves and leave millsions homeless as sea levels rise. The climate is warming so fast that the mean global temperature by 2070 (or earlier) is expected to be higher than ever since humans have inhabited this planet. If greenhouse gases are not minimized there is no way to avert catastrophe howver there is no easy path to a clean energy future. This is likely why the countries who signed onto the UN’s Climate Change in Rio 20 years ago have failed to deliver on the promise to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and are instead pumping more than 45% more than 22 years ago. Some alternatives that need to be worked on more extensively are: solar, geothermal, wind etc. We need clean, carbon-free energy.
3. Put A Price on Carbon
One thing we can start being more proud of in Canada is that Quebec and BC have put a price on carbon through taxing. This can put alide on how much carbon dioxide can be released into the atmosphere and are seen as one of the best ways to drive down carbon dioxide emissions caused by burning fossil fuels. This is one of the biggest things that needs to be addressed. Energy companies have to pay more so hopefully this gives incentive to turn to other types of fuel.
4. Overhaul Corporate Motives and Mindsets
Major corporations are often in the driver’s seat when it comes to excessive demands. Maximizing their profits is often to the detriment of the pubic good and close to $1trillion/year of harmful subsidies that supports the “brown economy” includes more than $300 billion in subsidies for ‘mostly’ unsustainable agriculture and fisheries and $650 billion in price and production subsidies for fossil fuels. Apparently the Government of Canada subsidizes the oil industry about $2 billion a year. Special Adviser to the UN Pavan Sukhdev calls for transparent accounting of both financial and environmental costs and wants regulations to force companies to act for the public good. Some, including PUMQ and Indian IT firm, Infosys, have already started to do this.
5. Green Canada’s Blackened’ Record
While Canada was hailed the hero in 1992 at the Rio Summit when PM Brian Mulroney signed onto UN conventions to protect both the planet’s biodiversity and climate today we are seen a lagging as PM Harper’s government moves to weaken laws and rules for environmental protection and speed up extraction of minerals and fossil fuels.
Many people think we can do better with our abundance of natural resources. I think we have the brains and the ability to become one of the leaders in sustainable production of natural resources.
6. Transform Cities
Recently we have heard a lot about Vancouver’s controversial bike lanes and Toronto’s ban on plastic bags-these are just a taste of radical changes on our horizon. North American’s are, per capital, among the world’s highest consumers of energy, water and resources. We love our big inefficient houses and our fancy gas guzzling vehicles. Maybe we need to give some more incentives to sway people away from these and model ourselves to live more like the Danes or Swedes who use a fraction of the energy that we use.
7. Connect the Dots Before You Buy
Watch what you buy. Eco-labels could help make us more aware of what we are purchasing, sort of like the nutritional labels we are now all used to viewing. The world’s insatiable appetite for things like shrimp, coffee, timbers and minerals threatens the survival of 30% of the vulnerable animal specials in poor countries. Most threats to hundreds of species comes from logging, coffee and cocoa. Wow.
8. Eat Less Meat
Hey, I am helping! I haven’t eaten red meat or pork for 20 years so I am guessing this has helped a small bit. While you don’t need to become a vegetarian cutting down could help the environment. A recent study concluded that meat eaters in developed countries need to cut consumption by 50% by 2050 to avoid the worst consequences of future climate changes. Beef is the most damaging and the reasons why made me giggle but cow flatulence and manure release methane which is an extremely potent greenhouse gas, not to mention cattle feed needing a lot of fertilizer and energy to produce.
9. Embrace Education and Contraception
The 7 billion people on the planet dominate 43% of the earth’s land surface and 1 billion go to bed hungry. By 2050 we will likely have 9.5 billion people. Birth control is needed. There are millions of people who don’t want children but who are currently not using contraception. Education of young women is another way to reduce the chance of conception so this is win-win.
10. Get Politically Active
The state of the environment is terrifying but individuals can make a difference. Politicians are likely not going to do anything until the public forces them to do so.
It starts with us as individuals. I have a Saskatoon real estate client who has started a company called Future Proof which is there to help improve quality control with the environment in mind.
Future Proof keeps the environment in mind and is to bring awareness to how we can make changes in our daily lives. I commend my client for his efforts and hope more people will follow suit.
Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Fusion
kari@saskatoonrealestate.net
